Karen Lewis, former president of the Chicago Teachers’ Union, dies at 67

CHICAGO (WLS) – Former president of the Chicago Teachers’ Union, Karen Lewis, died, sources confirmed to ABC7.

Lewis, 67, served as president of the union until he left office in 2018, with Jesse Sharkey serving as his replacement.

Former CTU spokeswoman Stephanie Gadlin said in a statement: “The nation has lost a true champion. Karen Lewis was one of the most powerful and prolific voices in public education, defending students, their families and the communities in which they live. Because of her tenure as president of the Chicago Teachers’ Union, she was the architect of the current struggle for justice in education. As her spokesperson, I cannot say how much I was inspired by her leadership and also by her vulnerability while she was sailing. on the treacherous terrain of Chicago politics. I can’t count how many times we share tears about the plight of students and people who have been marginalized for years, or laughs because of their scathing sense of humor. Karen was my domestic girl. she lost a great voice. I send my most sincere condolences to her loved ones, friends and the 25,000 members of CTU. May her memory reign for all the days to come and that she and find rest in the bosom of God. “

Lewis was elected president of CTU in 2010 and led the union during the 2012 strike. Before becoming president, she taught chemistry in high school for 22 years in public schools in Chicago. Lewis also attended CPS schools as a child.

Lewis was diagnosed with an aggressive type of brain cancer in 2014, when she was considering running for mayor. She returned to work after treatment, but had a stroke in 2017.

In a statement on Twitter. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel said: “Karen Lewis was a hard and tireless champion of public education and children in Chicago, who was never afraid to fight for what she believed in. Although we often found ourselves on different sides of the debate, I grew up having a huge respect for Karen and our regular conversations were a boon to me and the city of Chicago. May your memory be a blessing “

Mayor Lori Lightfoot also offered her condolences on Twitter, saying, “Amy and I are sad to hear about Karen Lewis’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to her family, loved ones, friends and family at CTU during this extremely difficult time. “

Senate President Don Harmon issued a statement saying, “I appreciated Karen’s friendship and guidance and I will always be better at it. She was an amazing person, a dedicated teacher, a defender of the professional educator and a skilled leader. She was unique and dedicated to its core to challenge and change lives and communities. We appreciate your service and leadership, for which it will be remembered and felt forever

The video of this story is from an earlier report